Good morning,

How can I tell if it is time to change the cat ? I have an 01 Ram 1500, I bought this truck new, this is the original cat (83000 miles). Is there a "home test" to tell me the condition ? Everything is stock, with the exception of a K&N CAI.

Thanks !

 

probably if its rattling badly, or if your check engine light is one, and you wouldn't pass emissions with a bad cat. if none of those, then it should be fine. I have 111,000 miles on mine and never had anything wrong with it.

 

Well... I guess I'm ok then. Thanks !

 

the 2nd gen rams are known for cats to go bad , you can get a magnaflow si/so for 80 bucks, for a lil more low end and noise

 

I agree with lastrights...for cheap you can a good performance cat that will give you a nicer exhaust note. If you were gonna replace it anyways. I just gutted mine since I am emissions exempt. You can also check it by banging on the side of it to hear if you have some loose stuff in there...Thats how I found out on mine, (with NO CEL) and why I gutted it out

 

if hes in cali that cat for 80 bucks si/so wont work.needs to be di/so 50state obdII complient.just like stock.jegs makes a y-pipe for cheap to do a cat-delete.put a flange on the out and its a bolt-in/out deal when ever you like for testing.

 

Yup, I'm in Cal. It passed smog last year. No CEL light. I tried the tapping/banging on the Cat, all seems well. If I had the cash to upgrade or fail smog test, then I will change to a performance cat. I don't want to fix what ain't broken

Stands2p, thanks for the tip, I like that. I may give it a try when the time comes.

 

Not sure about Cali trucks, but for the 2000-2001 model year, Dodge Rams don't have a DI/SO catalytic converter from the factory. They have a larger 3" SI/SO converter, stock. So the 3" SI/SO aftermarkets fit up much nicer. Just a FYI.

I'm assuming Cali trucks had a similar change, but they also integrated some "pre-catalytic converters" in addition to the more-than-normal oxygen sensors around the 2000 or 2001 model year, if memory serves.

EDIT: Forgot that I had put this in the FAQ section.
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...ram-1500s.html

 

i heard the cali trucks have 3 cats ? how many ya got ?

 

California trucks have 3 cats, and they have the factory y pipe that makes it 3" SI/SO, as was stated by jason.

I live in Arkansas, but bought my truck when I was stationed in Cali for 6 months. $10000, 41K miles, and an extended warranty!!! Had the power steering pump and transfer case replaced since then.

But, the pre cats are not that bad to delete. They really look like they do nothing for emissions. THis was a bay area truck, so it had to do the "enhanced" emissions testing. Passed the test with flying colors. I think a prius would put more carbon into the atmosphere.

I am working on finding a part where I can delete the 2 precats, since i am not in cali anymore. Guess i will have to search Jegs. But i plan on getting a magnaflow.

--Dan